A New Chapter for Frontier Community College

A large crowd of community leaders, students, faculty, and staff braved the heat and gathered at Frontier Community College on Tuesday, September 16, for the groundbreaking of the new athletic facility. The ceremony took place in the field between Mason Hall and Bob Boyles Hall. 

FCC President Dr. Sharmila Kakac shared her excitement about the strong turnout, noting that the event came together on very short notice to coincide with the Illinois Eastern Community College Board of Trustees meeting that same evening. 

“We planned it, executed it, and it went off fantastically,” Dr. Kakac said. “The proof is in the turnout—it was wonderful to see so many members of the community, strong support from the FCC Foundation, and even former employees returning to celebrate with us. Illinois State Senator Terri Bryant joined us, as well as our entire Board of Trustees. 

But for me, the most exciting part was the student participation. This ceremony was truly their idea and seeing so many of them lined up with golden shovels in hand drove home how meaningful this facility will be. It represents more than just a building—it’s about enhancing student life on campus and creating a space the entire community can enjoy. The excitement in the crowd reminded me why we’re doing this: it’s for the students, and it’s for the community.” 

The vision for Frontier Community College’s new Athletic Facility traces back to 2018, when a Civil Rights Compliance review revealed costly accessibility issues in the Bobcat Den. Rather than invest in upgrades, leaders began exploring new possibilities. In 2021, Student Senate members voiced their top needs—food service and recreation—sparking a plan that grew through meetings, site visits, and student input. With Board approval, the vision expanded into a facility that will host volleyball and basketball, provide recreation for all students, and serve the community. Born from compliance and necessity but fueled by student voice, the project shows how listening to students can shape a college’s future. 

A project of this size could never move forward without the support of many, and their shared vision and commitment have made this milestone possible. Dr. Kakac emphasized the importance of that collective effort, noting there are countless people to thank. 

“Without the Frontier Community College Foundation, I’m not sure we would have been able to break ground in September 2025. They stepped up to fund a major portion of the project, and that partnership was critical. We’ve also been blessed with several significant donors whose generosity made this possible. The City of Fairfield has been behind us 100% from the beginning and having that level of support from local government is vital for a project of this scale. Our Board of Trustees caught the vision of what the students wanted, and Chairman Gary Carter was especially instrumental in championing that vision and helping bring it to life. I’m also grateful for our faculty and staff, who have supported us every step of the way. Truly, this project has been made possible by so many people, and I am thankful for each one of them.” 

Frontier Community College Foundation President Luke Harl spoke about the college’s impact on countless lives—providing a top-quality education to people of all ages, whether they enter the workforce after earning a degree or certificate or transfer to continue their studies. He also emphasized how deeply invested the community is in the college’s success and in the importance of this project. 

“I am thankful for the turnout from the community and the college faculty, staff, students, and trustees and foundation members and donors. It is a reminder that people have a vested interest in the college's success and the importance of this project. I am excited to see the return that this investment brings in the years to come.” 

Following the ceremony, the Board of Trustees held its meeting on campus and approved naming the new volleyball and basketball court in honor of Jerry Cox. Cox recently donated $200,000 toward the construction of the facility and is also the founder of the Clemence Elizabeth Cox Scholarship, established in 2009. Since its inception, the scholarship has awarded more than $100,000 to 104 nursing students. Dr. Kakac noted that Cox’s generosity has consistently stood out over the years, reflecting his deep commitment to supporting FCC and its students. 

“It’s a wonderful way to recognize Jerry’s gift and show our appreciation for all he has done,” Dr. Kakac said. “He feels strongly about what the college means to this community and about the potential this facility has to bring in new students, support growth, and serve the region. Jerry has always been generous—not just with this new facility, but also through his ongoing support of the nursing program. Through the Clemence Elizabeth Cox Scholarship, he has invested more than $100,000 in scholarships for nursing students, helping 104 students since 2009. We are truly grateful for everything he has done for Frontier.” 

A groundbreaking is always a symbolic moment—it represents more than the start of construction; it marks the beginning of a new chapter. For Frontier Community College, this project signals an exciting future filled with new opportunities for students and the community. And for Dr. Sharmila Kakac, who began serving as FCC President on July 1, 2025, the moment held special meaning. 

“I have been involved with the college even before becoming president, having served on the FCC Foundation for years. We’ve often discussed what athletics could mean for both the college and the community, and it was powerful to see that vision finally take shape. Personally, two things stood out to me: first, the joy of seeing that vision come to fruition; and second, the incredible turnout. People of all ages, from different walks of life, and from across the region—including Flora and Albion—came together for this event. To me, it reinforced the ‘community’ in community college. This project is possible because of the broad support we’ve received, and that is what resonated with me the most.” 

Bevis Construction, Inc. of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, has officially begun work on the new $5.6 million, 19,250-square-foot athletic facility. For Dr. Kakac, the project holds special meaning—she can watch the transformation unfold each day from the view outside her office window.  

“The substantial completion date is set for October 2026—just about a year from now. Soon we’ll start to see major changes: more digging, rock being hauled in, larger equipment on site, the pouring of the foundation, and more construction crews at work. It will get messy, but sometimes you have to make a mess to make progress. Each step is a milestone, and it’s exciting to watch it all take shape right outside my window. Honestly, I feel like a kid in a candy store. Even members of the community have been driving by just to see the progress, which makes it even more exciting.” 

With each passing day, the facility moves closer to completion. The campus landscape has already changed dramatically since construction began—and it will continue to evolve. Dr. Kakac says the project opens the door to many possibilities. 

“Anytime you have a project of this magnitude, it marks the beginning of something exciting—the promise of what’s ahead. I’m thrilled about all the ways we’ll be able to use this facility, from serving the community to hosting volleyball games right here on campus. It will be a tremendous blessing for Frontier, and I’m truly looking forward to everything we can do with this space.” 

The public is reminded that ongoing construction on campus may cause delays. The Mason Hall parking lot is now an active construction zone, and pedestrians and motorists should use caution and remain alert for workers and heavy equipment in the area.